Saddle Up & Wind Down

The Midlands MagazineOctober 28, 2024

We spent a weekend in the mountains, snuggling by a fire under the stars, and waking up to a true country living at Khotso Lodge & Horse Trails.

As the year speeds to a close, faster than we care to admit, it’s worth taking a moment to escape and reflect on the months that have passed. A weekend getaway to the great outdoors offers the perfect opportunity, and I was fortunate enough to do just that in the picturesque mountains of the Southern Drakensberg.

Nestled in these scenic foothills is Khotso Lodge & Horse Trails, an adventurer’s dream founded by Steve Black. As the only operator running bespoke multi-day horseback expeditions across the Lesotho border, Khotso offers a chance to explore the untouched wilderness. But for those seeking a more laid-back escape, the lodge’s range of accommodation options is ideal for families, couples, or groups of friends.

Our adventure began on Friday, with a leisure drive through rolling hills and gravel roads, leading us to Khotso’s rustic entrance. A sea of horses greeted us, along with Karoo, the resident cattle dog who brought us a stick in the hope of a game of fetch—though only on his terms! After a few friendly pats, we were shown to our home for the weekend.

The rondavel, one of three modernised self-catering units, was a cosy retreat equipped with everything we needed for our stay. With a double bedroom, a mezzanine with three single beds, a refurbished kitchen, and a balcony offering stunning views of the gorge, it felt like the perfect blend of rustic charm and comfort. The internal heating stove and separate braai area promised warm, relaxing evenings under the stars.

As we settled in, another unexpected host appeared—Pebbles, the farm’s fluffy grey cat and unofficial hiking guide. She proves that even a cat can be an excellent companion for outdoor adventures!

The evening was spent under a sky full of stars, as we enjoyed a homemade dinner, old-school tunes, and a crackling bonfire. The highlight? Toasting smores over the fire—because what’s a countryside escape without a sweet treat?

Saturday dawned bright and warm, a surprise for an August morning. We kicked off the day with a hike to the Balam River Deck nearby, a charming coffee shop owned by Khotso, located right on the riverbank. Sipping our coffees while the sound of the river flowed around us was the perfect start to a leisurely day.

Returning to our rondavel, we basked in the midday sun on the balcony, playing rounds of UNO (which I won, much to my partner’s dismay). But the real excitement was yet to come—a sunset horse ride through the mountains. We met our horses, Monty and Jet, who guided us with ease as we ascended to Elands Peak, a breathtaking 1720 metres above sea level. This was our first-ever horse ride, and navigating the rocky terrain was thrilling. At the summit, we paused to savour the view with cheese, crackers, and a drink as the sun dipped towards the horizon.

This once-in-a-lifetime experience was everything we had hoped for, and our guide, Johannes, truly made it a memorable experience. We couldn’t help but reminisce on our “cowboy moment” as we returned to the lodge for a hearty dinner. A delicious spread of chicken curry with Phutu (Pap) and fresh bread warmed us as we swapped stories with the owners and fellow guests, including travellers from Spain on a road trip through South Africa. The night ended with laughter, music, and memories shared around the communal table.

As Sunday morning arrived, we packed up with mixed feelings—grateful for the experience but sad to leave. The drive home was filled with laughter and plans for our next adventure, already longing for another weekend at Khotso Lodge & Horse Trails.

If you’re looking for a sign to escape the everyday and reconnect with nature, this mountain retreat is it. Khotso offers the true country experience, from horseback adventures to peaceful nights under the stars—a perfect way to recharge and create unforgettable memories.

Did you know?

Khotso means Peace

http://www.khotso.co.za